Jerry Adler, Actor in The Sopranos, Dies at 96
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, Jerry Adler, best known for his roles in The Sopranos and The Good Wife, has died at the age of 96. His family confirmed his passing in a statement released on Saturday.
Born on February 4, 1929, and a longtime New Yorker, Adler entered acting in the 1990s. His first role came in the TV series Brooklyn Bridge at the age of 62, followed by appearances in Woody Allen’s Manhattan Murder Mystery and several comedies.
In 1999, he joined HBO’s acclaimed series The Sopranos as Herman “Hesh” Rabkin, a trusted advisor to James Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano, a role he continued until the show’s conclusion in 2007. From 2011 to 2016, Adler played Howard Lyman in 30 episodes of The Good Wife and later reprised the role in its spinoff The Good Fight.
Robert King, co-creator of The Good Wife, wrote on X that Adler had originally been cast for only one episode, but his unforgettable dinner scene performance ensured he became a recurring presence for years.
Frank J. Rellie, a friend and colleague, also paid tribute on X, sharing photos of Adler and writing: “My great friend and actor Jerry Adler passed away today at 96. You know him from one of his many memorable guest roles. Not bad for someone who started acting at 65.”
Adler’s final role was in the 2019 revival of Mad About You.
